The gospel world in Kenya has been deeply shaken with the passing of celebrated singer Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, better known as Betty Bayo. She died on Monday, 10 November, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Her family confirmed she had been hospitalised since the previous week, following a rapid decline due to advanced blood cancer (leukaemia).
Her illness had escalated swiftly. According to the family, she was transferred on Friday from the private hospital to Kenyatta National Hospital after suffering excessive bleeding and complications linked to acute leukaemia.
Her former partner and long‐time collaborator, Pastor Victor Kanyari, confirmed the tragic news in an emotional post, referring to her affectionately as “Mama Sky – the mother to my kids.” During a press briefing at KNH, the family asked for privacy while funeral arrangements are finalised; her body will be moved to the Kenyatta University Teaching & Referral Hospital Mortuary in the near future.
A Voice of Hope and Ministry
Betty Bayo’s emergence into Kenya’s gospel scene was meteoric. She found national recognition through the hit song “Eleventh Hour”, which quickly became an anthem of encouragement in churches across the nation. Singing primarily in Agikuyu and Swahili, she built a devoted following not only for her powerful voice but for her transparent faith journey and outreach beyond the pulpit.
Her career spanned music, ministry and digital content creation. She subtly bridged worship, fashion and lifestyle, positioning herself as a modern gospel influencer who could connect with younger audiences while remaining rooted in ministry. Tributes from peers—such as Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau and fellow musician Daddy Owen—highlight her humility, authenticity and fearless voice for gospel truth.
One tribute read: “She leaves behind a legacy of a great contribution to the growth of the Gospel music industry, friendship and a soul that maximised its full potential.”
Health Struggle and Final Days
Signs of her ill health emerged publicly in August 2025, when she shared an image of herself in hospital, an oxygen mask visible, and cited a bout of worsening illness. From that point, her condition deteriorated: the family announced her admission to KNH after being transferred from a private hospital due to massive bleeding from advanced cancer.
Despite the illness, those close to her say she remained ministering and maintaining contact with friends and fans until very recently. But on 10 November 2025 her courageous journey ended, leaving a void in Kenya’s gospel fraternity.
Legacy & Tribute
Betty Bayo is survived by her two children, whom she shared with Pastor Kanyari. Her passing leaves behind not only grieving family but a generation of worshippers, producers and young gospel artists who saw in her a path to authenticity, relevance and faith-driven artistry.
Kenya’s gospel music community now prepares to honour her life with a fitting send-off. Details of the funeral service will be announced once the family finalises arrangements. Meanwhile, fans, churches and industry colleagues are flooding social media and local media outlets with tributes, underscoring the impact of her nearly two decades in ministry.
